I just think they are very low quality guitars even for their price range. and when you originally said hard rock/metal, they aren't really suited for that. they are more of a country/blues guitar. for classic rock it'd be fine though.
Of the four you put up, I'd probably go w/ the Epiphone. $They are pretty good for their price range.
If you ever want to spend a little more, check out
www.carvin.com they are very nice guitars, and much cheaper because they sell direct from the factory, so no store mark-ups. They have some very nice models in the $500-$600 range.